Last Covid Booster in August 2022 I’ve had severe pain. Probable PMR
It’s been a journey and a difficult one to even get to this point. My arm (right) pain after shot was unbearable. Then it spread to both shoulders and hands. PCP DR told me Lupus but it could also be PMR. Took me 8 months to see the second Rheumatologist who stated probable PMR. She said full treatment is 2 years on Prednisone. Initially when I started on Prednisone it was prescribed by my PCP. Then First Specialist (R) Dr. Wanted me off it which took 3 months. Now 6 weeks off pain was worse than before. I trust the 2nd R. Dr. stated they shouldn’t have pulled me off it in the first place. In addition to this my PCP is not wanting to subscribe my Hydrocodone
And making me jump through hoops to get off of the one thing that has helped. Anyone else experiencing the same or similar? Not sure what to do.
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) Support Group.
Thanks for your comments. Initially, I decided not to tell anyone about my PMR because although I was certain my 4th Covid booster caused PMR, nobody seemed to be talking about Covid boosters causing issues. I decided to do research and see what I could find. I found a few medical reports, but this forum and HealthUnlocked convinced me I am right.
So now when people ask why I am still masked indoors, I tell them I had a reaction to the Covid booster so I can't take any additional boosters and I have been dealing with some some ongoing autoimmune issues as a result. My husband gets to hear me complain about pain and stiffness - thank goodness for him. He has been incredibly supportive through it all.
Get yourself a bed rail, to pull yourself out of bed. It's a big help!
I was diagnosed in Nov 2022, they think the Shingrix vaccine triggered the PMR. Got a Rheumatologist right away in December, and I'm tapering the Prednisone down, currently at 8 mg. Been on Prednisone for almost 4 months, and my fingernails are shredding. Any solutions for that? I always thought it was gelatin, but the internet seems to think it's an old wives' tale.
Also, I've noted that everyone seems to be taking Prednisone - anyone taking methotrexate? My R doc also wanted to do that.
Thank you...an excellent idea.
Methotrexate (MTX) takes 3 to 6 months to become effective. I for one chose immediate pain relief with the prednisone. As I taper off the prednisone I am introducing my body to MTX. It is not without side affects. You have to take folic acid every day (counteracts some of the MTX side effects) except the one day a week you take your MTX. Your Dr. needs to keep constant vigil on organs it can affect. You take your MTX dose once a week. You can quit MTX at any time. No tapering off needed.
I chose MTX for that very reason. No tapering. Last thing I need is a bad blood report for a damaged organ caused by a drug I have to taper off of.
I have found applying any good oil (olive, vit.E) to nails and cuticles has helped a lot. But you have to re-apply every time your hands are in water. But it has helped a lot.
I stupidly listed to nurse giving covid and flu shots and had moderna and flu shots to save time. The aches and pain didnt stop and after a week got worse till I was so stiff and in pain.
Yes I think the shots overwhelmed my immune system. I have read online med articles that there are quite a number of PMR cases after covid shot.